Displays, demonstrations featured by students on varied topics

The Carbon Career and Technical Institute held its annual Open House and Trade Show, welcoming prospective students and families, as well as the community to come see what CCTI is all about.

Stephanie Barto, Marketing Instructor, stated that, "The open house is a chance to showcase our school and programs. The community has the chance to see the opportunities available at CCTI."

Many of the different trade areas had displays or demonstrations.

The marketing students had displays on different non-profit organizations. The students each picked an organization, researched it, and created promotional material. The students also created ways to raise money for the organization.

Barto said last year the students raised over $700 for their organizations.

"This project is great for teamwork building as well as marketing and bringing awareness to these organizations," he stated.

Some of the organizations represented included Alex's Lemonade Stand, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Make-a-Wish, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society, American Cancer Society, Surfrider, American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, and Habitat for Humanity.

The cosmetology students gave demonstrations on nail art and using a curling iron. They also gave paraffin wax hand dips.

The health/medical students had instructions on measuring blood pressure and proper hand washing.

The graphic design students held their annual art show. This year's theme for the art show was "inspired."

Michele Klock, Graphic Design instructor, explained that all of the artwork is student created. The students were selling prints of their pieces to raise money for the class.

The culinary art students were raising money by having a bake sale of items they made.

The other trade areas at CCTI were open for visitors to see the instructor and ask questions. Visitors could also see the equipment for the trade areas as well as see some students working on projects.

CCTI's academic instructors had displays and were available to talk about their academic courses.

There were also representatives from Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and McCann School of Business and Technology. The representatives were available to talk to students, prospective students, and families about higher education opportunities after high school.

Brent Borzak, CCTI principal, said, "The open house is a good community event. We get to showcase the trade areas and what the students work on."